A Florida Wedding

Just like I wrote about a Wisconsin wedding and also a Texas wedding, I guess I got to experience a Florida wedding. Now, this wedding wasn't meant to represent what would be a traditional wedding, but I think they pulled it off pretty well. Victoria's brother Michael was getting married to his longtime girlfriend Kayleigh. This was actually the primary reason I was in Florida in the first place.

The wedding and reception were hosted in the same event center room.

Exterior of 24 Twenty One event center with cream-colored walls, black signage on peaked roof, and blue sky with white clouds Event hall interior with white draped ceiling, round tables set with white linens and navy blue overlays, white folding chairs Reception hall showing round tables with navy and white decor, TV screen displaying Congratulations Mike & Kathryn, elegant white ceiling draping Close-up of wedding reception table with white tablecloth, diagonal navy overlay, gold charger plates, navy napkins, table number 1, and small floral centerpiece Detailed view of white fabric ceiling draping radiating from circular center medallion with recessed lighting Guest book table near entrance with white tablecloth, navy overlay, and framed photos Card and gift table with white and navy linens, large letters M and K, white card box, and fresh white rose bouquets Foil-covered serving platters on wooden counter during event preparation White wooden wedding arch decorated with draped fabric and greenery garland, unity candle table with navy overlay underneath Sweetheart table with MR & MRS wooden letters, navy overlay, mason jar centerpiece with candles and roses View through wedding ceremony arch into decorated reception hall with guests setting up tables Wide-angle view of reception hall with elegant white ceiling draping, round tables, and warm lighting during setup Separate catering room with wall-mounted TV, buffet tables with white and navy linens, and chafing dishes Table centerpiece featuring glass cylinder vase with small Tabasco hot sauce bottles on mirrored base Place setting detail showing gold woven charger plate, folded white napkin, navy tumbler, and wedding favor with candies Foil-covered baking pan with food inside car trunk on protective towel

Of course, there's always a mishap or two. This one involved some spilt beans in the back of Michael's car.

Foil-covered baking pan with spilled food inside car trunk on protective towel

There was plenty of food anyway.

Buffet table with framed photo collages on wall, trays of dinner rolls, and condiment bottles Kitchen counter view showing appetizer platters with pickles, olives, crackers, and cheese arranged for reception Chafing dish filled with breaded chicken tenders on buffet table with navy tablecloth Chafing dish filled with breaded chicken tenders on buffet table with navy tablecloth Chafing dish with fried chicken pieces on white-clothed buffet table Two clear plastic storage bins filled with ice and assorted soda cans for wedding reception

One tradition that Adina brought from her family weddings was to pass around the bottle.

Two women in blue patterned dresses participating in drinking game, one holding liquor bottle near decorative floral backdrop

So we passed around the bottle (I also took a drink but I'm not the drinking while selfie sort of guy).

Woman in navy dress holding bottle during reception game while woman in patterned dress gestures with black chandelier in background Man in gray dress shirt and tie drinking from bottle while bearded man in maroon polo watches during reception game Bearded man in maroon polo with sunglasses on head drinking from jar while woman in patterned dress records on phone with ladder in background Three women watching reception game, center woman in patterned dress drinking from mason jar near decorative backdrop Woman in navy dress drinking from mason jar while woman in blue dress films on phone during reception activity Wedding reception table with Korbel champagne bottle, glasses with beverages, and small Tabasco sauce bottles

On the table, there was champaign ready for the toast.

Wide view of ceremony space with officiant in dark suit standing under white arch decorated with greenery

Soon, the marriage officiant was waiting.

Wedding guests seated at reception tables watching presentation with white ceiling draping and mounted TV screen visible

Mike and Kayleigh proceeded to come out.

Bride in black dress and groom in gray shirt walking arm-in-arm past seated guests during ceremony processional Bride and groom walking together toward decorated ceremony arch where officiant waits Bride and groom holding hands under white arch with greenery garland during wedding ceremony Close-up of bride and groom holding hands during ceremony exchange with officiant partially visible

They eventually proceeded to say their vows.

Bride and groom standing together under ceremony arch with officiant during wedding vows Full-length view of bride and groom standing together under arch in ceremony space with windows behind them

And here's the happy couple!

Young boy in wheelchair being pushed by bridesmaid in patterned dress, with groomsman and guests watching near entrance

They did the first dances right away. Michael was able to dance with his mom.

Ring bearer or young guest seated in wheelchair with bridesmaid standing beside him as groomsmen look on during ceremony entrance Groom kneeling on office chair speaking with young boy in wheelchair under ceremony arch with greenery decoration

After that, it was time for a toast!

Motion-blurred action shot of guest pouring champagne between multiple glasses at reception table during toast Newlyweds posing at sweetheart table with MR and MRS wooden letters, champagne bottles, and raised glasses for toast

Adina and Michael have known each other since birth and are very close friends. She gave a nice speech to the happy couple.

Bridesmaid in navy blue dress holding microphone and making speech at wedding reception with tables and buffet visible

After Adina, it was Victoria's turn.

Bridesmaid in navy patterned dress speaking into microphone while holding champagne glass during reception toast

There were a few other speeches by Kayleigh's family and then it was time to eat.

Wedding dinner plate with breaded chicken tenders, mashed potatoes with gravy, pasta salad, and green beans on navy blue plate with gold woven charger

After some drinking and dancing, we planned to have a little after party at the hotel. I stopped by the liquor store, which was right next to the event hall and got some Wicked Dolphin rum. It was made right there in Florida.

Sunset view of shopping center parking lot with liquor store sign and parked trucks under power lines Bottle of Wicked Dolphin coconut rum with blue cap on wooden dresser next to wall-mounted air conditioning unit Back label of Wicked Dolphin Florida's Craft Rum bottle displaying product description about coconut rum ingredients

I also got some Old Grand Dad Whiskey, but I still had a bunch of beer leftover from Wisconsin. I never tapped into the whiskey.

Flask-shaped bottle of Old Grand-Dad Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with orange label on wooden surface

We all went by the pool of the hotel and had a few drinks. A raccoon decided to grace us with its presence.

Raccoon climbing up green wall or fence at night near vegetation and patio area

The whole day was a lot of fun. The wedding itself was pulled off well and Victoria actually got me out to dance in my super uncoordinated fashion. The afterparty at the hotel was relaxing and I see the wildlife was tame around there. I definitely enjoyed being in Florida and I wish a bright future to the happy couple, Mike and Kayleigh!

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